The Minority in Parliament has issued a stern warning regarding the upcoming presentation of the 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy, scheduled for November 15, 2023.
The NDC MPs have asserted that they will oppose the budget if it fails to address the pressing concerns of ordinary Ghanaians amidst the current economic challenges.
Minority leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, emphasised that they will strive to alleviate the hardships faced by the Ghanaian populace, not exacerbate them.
“The prevailing economic conditions have already made it very difficult for the ordinary Ghanaian and businesses, and therefore, we can’t be a party to any policy or measure which makes things even more unbearable for the already suffering Ghanaian and businesses.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me be blunt; the upcoming budget statement will encounter resistance if it does not prioritize the needs of people and businesses. That is our bottom line.
“So, if the government knows that its upcoming budget does not prioritize the needs of the people, then they should get ready for a SHOWDOWN!”
However, the former Deputy Finance Minister clarified that the Minority’s position is not intended to obstruct the government from implementing its policies.
“Mr. Speaker, the position taken by the Minority Caucus is not intended to frustrate the government; far from that.
We have taken the position to be on the side of the people of Ghana as we have always done in the life of this Parliament, and Parliaments before this one.”
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is set to present the government’s 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on November 15, 2023.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, announced this in Parliament on Tuesday, emphasising the importance of scrutinizing the budget to ensure it serves the needs of all Ghanaians.
“I believe this house will adopt a consultative and consensus-building approach throughout this process. We have demonstrated enough capacity and experience in budget approval deliberations, and this will be no different.”